Finding Balance in 2019
The start of a brand new year always leads to the contemplation of change – and possible New Year Resolutions.

How can we improve our lives and the lives of our family members?

For those caring for loved ones, it can be difficult to determine how to manage everything; and to bring our lives into balance.

It may sound counter-intuitive, but to meet the needs of others – you must meet your own needs first. Simply put, ask yourself - what do I need and want to feel whole, happy and healthy?

As you look at the 2019 calendar, see it as an opportunity to put your needs first; schedule time each day, week and month to make your inner child happy.

When you are in balance – it will allow you to be fully present and happily engaged in balancing the needs of those that depend on you – all year long.

Happy New Year from all of us at Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley and Lower Valley Care Advocates !
Plan for a Happy, Healthy and Safe 2019










7 Winter Safety Tips for Seniors
During the winter months, ice, snow and cold temperatures can make life challenging for anyone. Slippery sidewalks and cold weather can cause a wide range of injuries and illnesses -- especially for seniors.

Finding elderly care to assist your senior on a regular basis can help keep them safe during any season. Check out the tips below that are specific to winter for preventing common cold weather dangers that the elderly population faces.

To read the 7 tips, click here. Content credit: Care.com
Kick off the New Year with Healthy Soups!
It's cold outside! Stay warm with some healthy soups, including this tasty Minestrone Soup from Food Network that's perfect for this time of year.

For a taste of home-stewed comfort, ladle up a bowl of Robin Miller's loaded Minestrone Soup with Pasta, Beans and Vegetables.

For more full recipe, click here.
Know the Signs of Stroke and Heart Attack
Stroke Symptoms

Spot a stroke F.A.S.T.

FACE DROOPING
Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.

ARM WEAKNESS
Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

SPEECH DIFFICULTY
Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "the sky is blue." Is the sentence repeated correctly?

TIME TO CALL 9-1-1
If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.
Heart Attack Symptoms

CHEST DISCOMFORT
Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

DISCOMFORT IN OTHER AREAS OF THE UPPER BODY
Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

SHORTNESS OF BREATH
with or without chest discomfort.

OTHER SIGNS
may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

For more information, click here.
Home is Where the Heart Is









Aging in Place: 4 Keys to Maintaining an Able Body and Safe Home
Many of us want to stay in our own homes until retirement and beyond. “Aging in place” or “aging in” is a great goal. But our bodies change a lot after retirement, and the reality is our homes aren’t usually designed to accommodate new lifestyles and needs. That two-story home with a finished basement? Great for raising a family—maybe not perfect for enjoying retirement.

But that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have to move. If your home is where your heart is, consider these keys to keeping your surroundings safe, and making sure you’re up to the daily challenges of aging in place. To see the 4 Keys, click here.

 Lower Valley Care Advocates can provide the additional support you may need to stay at home safely, whether it be for a few hours or around the clock.

Call or visit their website for more information: (860) 767-2695 or www.LowerValleyCareAdvocates.org.

Content credit: Anthem Newsletter
A Little Humor to Make You Smile
Let's Stay Connected!
To learn more about Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley, click here .
To learn more about Lower Valley Care Advocates, click here.
  Questions? Call Us! 860-767-0186